Sports

Broncos' T. J. Ward wanted for misdemeanor assault

Two months after signing with the Broncos, safety T.J. Ward is a wanted man. The Denver Police Department issued an arrest warrant for Ward on suspicion of misdemeanor assault stemming from an incident at a strip club.

"We have been aware of this issue and will continue to review all of the facts," the Broncos said in a team statement.

Denver Police Department spokesman Sonny Jackson said the arrest warrant is connected to a May 9 altercation at PT's All Nude, 3480 S. Galena St. in Denver. Police are waiting for Ward, 27, to surrender to authorities, Jackson said.

According to a source, the dispute centered on Ward bringing alcohol into the club. Ward believed it had been cleared by the establishment, but when questioned by the wait staff a confrontation ensued.

Per its custom, the NFL will monitor the situation. Under the league's personal-conduct policy, commissioner Roger Goodell possesses discretionary power to discipline players regardless of how their legal situations are adjudicated. It's unlikely, however, that Ward would be suspended for a misdemeanor.

Josh Arnold, Ward's agent, did not return a call from The Denver Post seeking comment. CBS4 first reported the warrant for Ward's arrest.

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The Broncos aggressively pursued Ward when free agency opened in March. He accepted a four-year, $22.5 million contract March 11, triggering a defensive makeover that included the additions of cornerback Aqib Talib and pass rusher DeMarcus Ware. Ward will make $7 million this season in signing bonus money and salary.

"He's going to bring energy and toughness to our secondary," Broncos general manager John Elway said of Ward when he joined the team.

Denver coveted Ward's physical style. Only 5-foot-10 and 210 pounds, Ward has a reputation for hard hits and defending the run. He recently was voted the 82nd-best player in the NFL by his peers on the "Top 100 of 2014." The Broncos planned to start him at strong safety, paired with Rahim Moore at free safety. Elway said during the May 8-10 draft that Ward will be used as a weakside linebacker in some packages.

Ward has been fined by the NFL for helmet-to-helmet and shoulder hits. He adjusted his tackling technique last season and sidelined New England Patriots star Rob Gronkowski with a low tackle that tore the tight end's right anterior cruciate ligament.

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